Challenge: Practice

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.  Phil 4:9

Occasionally I flip back through old thought and challenge posts to be reminded what God has taught me over past months.  There are times, however, when I don’t want to read what I’ve written.  I fight against it because I know I have not put those things into practice.  It’s a reminder of just how imperfect I am – a reminder I need daily, in all honesty.

Writing, teaching, or talking through the things God has taught me comes naturally to me.  I love it with God births a lesson in my heart and mind.  It makes me feel alive and reminds me that the Holy Spirit truly is alive and growing in my heart and life.  But, it also accomplishes another purpose.  It opens up accountability.  Once I have articulated a lesson, I am then expected to live by it.

That is where I so often fail. 

It isn’t enough to learn.  It isn’t even enough to articulate.  It must be practiced.  I am challenged to make sure that on a day to day basis I do not simply share the thoughts and challenges that are on my heart.  I am challenged to make sure I live them as well.  Knowing does not remake me into the likeness of Christ.  Practicing does.  May I be faithful to practice!